Storm Briefings
Daily tornado outlooks, storm recaps, SPC risk analysis, and severe weather safety — written by the VORTEX Weather Desk and grounded in NWS and SPC data.
Three Tornadoes Touch Down in California and Illinois
Three tornadoes struck California and Illinois on April 22-23, including two EF-1 tornadoes in California's Central Valley. Full recap and damage details.
EF1 Tornado Strikes Central California Near Clovis
A rare EF1 tornado touched down east of Clovis, California on April 21, snapping and uprooting trees. Details on the unusual Central Valley tornado.
What Belongs in a Tornado Emergency Kit (and What Most People Forget)
Water and flashlights are obvious. But helmets, sturdy shoes, and cash? Here's what actually belongs in a tornado emergency kit—and why.
Waterspouts vs. Tornadoes: What's the Difference?
Are waterspouts just tornadoes over water? Not always. Learn the difference between fair-weather and tornadic waterspouts, and what happens when they move ashore.
Building a Tornado Safe Room: What FEMA Recommends
FEMA P-320 and P-361 set the standard for tornado safe rooms. Learn about above-ground vs. below-ground options, costs, and state grant programs.
Multi-Vortex Tornadoes: Why One House Survives and Another Doesn't
Why do tornadoes destroy one home but leave the next untouched? Suction vortices inside multi-vortex tornadoes create inconsistent damage patterns.
Build a Family Tornado Plan in 30 Minutes
A step-by-step guide to creating a tornado safety plan for your household. Shelter location, communication, emergency kit, and drills explained.